Career Overview
A number of careers are open to geological engineers, geologists
and paleontologists. Job growth in the geosciences between 2010 and
2020 is expected to be 20% above the national average for all
occupations, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Career opportunities in private industry include positions in
mineral exploration companies, petroleum exploration and production
companies, petroleum service companies, engineering consulting
firms, water resource and environmental firms and paleontology
resource management and mitigation firms. Our graduates are also
employed by local, state, federal and tribal agencies.
Opportunities for graduate degree recipients include positions with
the companies and agencies mentioned above as well as in higher education, museums and research laboratories.
Information on campus jobs, research opportunities, internships
and co-ops, and other employment opportunities for students and
graduates in Geology and Geological Engineering is available at our Student Jobs and Co-ops page.
Average starting salary for Geologists: $38,250
Companies hiring recent Geology graduates:
Wyoming State Engineers Office, AMWest Petroleum, Chicago Field Museum, Geo Tek Inc.
Average starting salary for Geological Engineers: $57,643
Companies hiring recent Geological Engineering graduates:
Pathfinder Energy Services, U.S. Geological Survey, Barr Engineering Company, and Phelps Dodge.
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"With the quality geological engineering degree I received from SDSM&T, I was able to pursue a rewarding career within state government where I've had experiences monitoring and regulating mineral industry operations.
Careers in the oil and gas, mineral and water resource fields are stronger than ever. The unique geology and hydrology of the Black Hills area provides students with a critical hands-on training environment that prepares them to transition well into all aspects of the geotechnical workplace."
Marc Macy, Project Engineer
South Dakota Department of Environment & Natural Resources — BS in Geological Engineering from SDSM&T in 2004
More information on co-ops, internships, job postings, career
fairs, etc. is available at the SDSM&T Career Center website.
Additional Career Information
Your Roadmap to Success, of course, culminates in a meaningful geoscience career. Visit our Geoscience Career Links page for links to additional online resources.